Five Facts Good People May Forget about God

Updated on September 5, 2016

We love good people, even though we know that they are not perfect. We applaud their noble practices including moral conduct, regular attendance at places of worship, generous contributions to the needy and even random acts of kindness.

"Worship Service" by Runner1928 | Source

However, the more commendation they receive, the easier it is for them to forget that God measures not only what they display in their public performances, but also who they are in their hearts.

For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV

We all may be considered good at least by some of the people, some of the time, because we all have some good in us. So, while we may be tempted to measure ourselves against others and take pride in our self-assessment, it is advisable not to forget that:

God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 NKJV

The subsequent facts about God, also quoted from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, will help us remember that much of God’s evaluation about us is based on our attitude toward our fellowmen and our interaction with them.

(1) We Cannot Love God and Hate People

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar. 1 John 4:20

"Rally to Restore Sanity" by Rrenner | Source

Loving God is the reason some people give for hating those who do not love Him like they do. Some parents become intolerant of children who exhibit ungodly behavior. Some employers discriminate against individuals from certain races known for strange habits. Some spouses resent mates who do not participate in their devotion to Him. Intolerance, discrimination, resentment and other similar attitudes can gradually grow into hate.

Good people become hypocrites when they respond to human offenses with an unforgiving, hateful attitude. They forget that they sometimes offend God with their selfishness (which they try to hide under their good deeds) and God does not stop loving them. If God can love and forgive them when they confess their faults, He can give them the grace to love and forgive others when they confess their hate.

Individuals who want to hate whom God wants to love are against Him. On the other hand, since human beings do not actually see God, their only genuine expression of love for Him must be expressed to persons whom they can see.

(2) Serving God Means Serving Others

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:40

Some people are selective about whom they serve. They may wait until the opportunity comes for their good deeds to be recognized. They may also select to serve those who can repay them. In so doing, they choose how they want to be rewarded.

Other people serve and never make the recognition list, because they serve the nobodies (“the least”) whenever possible. They serve needy relatives and neighbors, although their service does not make the spotlight. Their service is motivated by love and gratitude for the things they have been given to share.

It is so easy to forget that when we render service to others, we do so on God's behalf.

(3) We Cannot Fully Understand God

"Bible Study" by Steelman | Source

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5

Some good people think that they know everything about God. They fit Him into their religious belief system and create a God who sanctions what they do and disapproves what others do differently. They think they know Him so well because He belongs to their group.

God is too big, too wise, and too powerful to fit into our limited minds. Kevin Hartnett, astronomer and astro-photographer agrees. “Indeed, through His own gracious revelation of Himself, we can understand God in part, but we can never fully comprehend Him, or even a single one of His qualities. There will always be more of His wisdom to understand, more of His power, more of His holiness, more of His love. We will never fathom Him.”1

Those who forget how big God is often think that He needs their help to straighten out other people. They mean well, but they get in His way.

(4) God Doesn’t Think Like We Think

This fact is an automatic fallout from the previous one. Man’s limited thinking can in no way equal God’s thought process. Yet, man is not discouraged from thinking. The problem comes when good people think that they have a monopoly on good thoughts. They cannot accommodate discussion with people who have opposite views about God.

They forget that the responsibility of believers is to represent God, not to compel others to accept their interpretations and revelations. The debate is not the best method of sharing thoughts about God. He is known to reveal himself in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12).

Matt Appling, pastor and teacher counsels that it is when believers “demonstrate God in a still, small voice, in the context of love and friendship that God can actually speak to people.”2

Which of these facts has the greatest impact on your daily interaction with others?

(5) God’s Kindness Is An Equal-Opportunity Offer

He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

“The Jewish teachers . . . understood only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their friends. The Lord Jesus teaches that we must do all the real kindness we can to all. . . Others salute their brethren, and embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion, but we must not so confine our respect.”3

This verse reminds good people not to participate in the kind of prejudice which is usually practiced against members of opposing political parties, religions or other cliques. It takes a genuinely good heart to be kind for kindness’ sake. Never forget that the purpose of kindness to others is to imitate the kindness of God to us.

Comments 64 comments

Just fantastic. What a great gift you have been given. You fill me with understanding.

Perhaps this is one of my favorite thoughts ever, that I must always keep in mind: "Those who forget how big God is often think that He needs their help to straighten out other people. They mean well, but they get in His way."

Edward J. Palumbo 3 months ago from Tualatin, OR

MsDora, I enjoyed reading it and the points you've made. With your permission, some of these issues have come up in recent discussion and I'd like to use some of your comments as "ammunition" while sharing who provided the comments.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thank you, Eric. We learn from each other. What a blessing!

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks for reading, Eric. You have my permission to share. I wish I had the privilege of participating in such discussions.

word55 3 months ago from Chicago

Another good read, another multi-lesson to receive. As usual there is so muh depth. Thank so much Dora, for sharing your wisdom.

Jackie Lynnley 3 months ago from The Beautiful South

What this brought to mind for me Dora is our giving and "outward appearance" rather. God does not want us showing off with our gifts and good deeds we do in His name. Many are trying to work their way to Heaven and they just cannot do it and the sooner they start giving in secret the sooner they will know God's way.

You always give such great food for thought.

I hope life is being good to you and you are finding happiness despite your loss. God bless you in all things and look over you no matter what comes your way.

FlourishAnyway 3 months ago from USA

Fantastic religious hub with implications for people of all faiths. I especially appreciated the message you imparted in #1 and 2. Shared.

Rich kelley 3 months ago from The Ekklesia

MsDora

"We Cannot Fully Understand God"

In order to fully understand God you would have to know what He knows and that would make you about equal with Him. This is not to say that we are not to seek wisdom and knowledge. The wisdom and knowledge from God is not one thing to one person and something different to another.

I know that there are some bent on forcing what they believe down others throats claiming it is knowledge and wisdom from God and that is wrong. Their incorrect actions should not discount the fact that we are to seek wisdom and knowledge.

I'm sure that all that claim to be disciples of the Messiah that God has sent into the world would love to have the below scriptures working in their lives. His wisdom, knowledge, and revelation is not for control or domination of people. The more we follow after Christ the more we will be like Him.

Eph 1:17-21 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Thank you for the Hub

Rich

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Word, I appreciate your encouragement. There is so much about God that we need to focus on; our thinking would be clearer and our actions wiser.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Jackie, thanks for your concern about my personal happiness. Gradually, my mind is regaining clarity. Your comment is on target. I believe that God wants us to get to the place where we do the right thing for the right reason.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Flourish, my aim was to reach out to members of different faiths, so I appreciate you letting me know that I possibly did. I appreciate your continual encouragement.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Rich, thanks for your comment which so aptly adds to the explanation of that topic. I endorse your statement that "The more we follow after Christ the more we will be like Him." The verses you quoted from Ephesians are among the promises I claim for my children that they be enlightened.

Rich kelley 3 months ago from The Ekklesia

MsDora

Your comment about trying to reach out to other faiths reminded me of the below.

I just listen to a Christian speaker (an Islam convert) mention that no one would fellowship with his mother. The same speaker mentioned that an Iranian he knew of came to America with a suitcase full of little gifts to present when asked over to people’s houses. Months later when the man returned to Iran his suit case was still full as no one had asked him into their homes.

I’ve been sent the circulating e-mail that wants to ensure people don’t buy products that are Halal certified because it would support terrorism. It is easy to see through the hate and misinformation. I mentioned that if someone buys certified USDA beef does that mean they are for abortion because in the USA abortion is government sanctioned? Hate is so easy to spread, it usually requires less time and not many brain cells.

Thanks again

Rich

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks again, Rich. Your stories are perfect illustrations of the prejudice (precursor to hate) cultivated and promoted by people who consider themselves good. In their efforts to maintain their goodness, they misrepresent God who requires that we love each other and that we treat others the way we should want to be treated. Hate is a crisis of great proportion among self-righteous people. May God grant us the grace and courage to learn from Him how to love.

Kiss andTales 3 months ago

Wonderfully written Ms Dora ! You touched on some important things about our Heavenly Father.

It is so important to know the list you have provided !, because it's vital if we want to keep living on this planet .

Notice what can be the case.

2Th 1:8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.

Here it is clear !not knowing the Heavenly Father would be a judgment of death.

Basically because people declined the opportunity.

They did not want to know him.

Also there are things he does want us to know and the bible is full of that infomation.

But we can accept it or reject it.

1Co 2:16 For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ.

whonunuwho 3 months ago from United States

Very nice message MsDora, and many blessings to you and yours, my friend. whonu

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Kiss and Tales, I appreciate the solemn tone in your comment. The last verse you quoted appeals to our humility without which we may never improve. Thank you.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Whonu, God bless you too. Thanks for this and all your other encouraging comment.

Nell Rose 3 months ago from England

Love your words MsDora, and so true. I do remember Mother Theresa, now a Saint! said 'Just because I look like I am doing good doesn't mean that I enjoy it all the time'! or something like that. In other words she meant that sometimes she hated it, but did it. other times she was tired but carried on and so forth, so being good is not always easy, and I am so glad they have made her a Saint!

billybuc 3 months ago from Olympia, WA

The best advice I ever received was to just get out of the way and let God do the work. I've tried never to forget that.

Thank you for a beautiful reminder.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Nell, thanks for including that quote from the Saint. I've always admired her work. She was to many of us a genuine example of goodness.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Bill, I can tell that you have put lots of good advice to work. Thanks for the feedback.

manatita44 3 months ago from london

A most powerful, sublime, lofty and yet necessary, easy to grasp and essential one for us all. This one is a real diamond, Dee. I say "Open Sesame!" as in my last poem, and your carousel of gems hits me real hard at the Gateway of the Unknown.

What a beautiful Hub, so well-meaning and yet, some will not grasp it, I fear. At least I won't challenge, sing my own song, as this may tarnish this extremely beautiful write. Let us work together... to Love, serve, worship, praise...give glory to the One. Alleyuia! Glory Be!

denise.w.anderson 3 months ago from Bismarck, North Dakota

This message is sorely needed at this time of political unrest and social turmoil. We all would do well to examine our own motives and actions, and check those things that we do "in the name of God" that only serve our own agendas! Loving him is the most important thing we can do, and we show that love by how we treat others.

lambservant 3 months ago from Pacific Northwest

What a fabulous refresher course for the Body of Christ. On a personal level there were a few more significantly applicable to me, that I needed to be reminded of. You never disappoint Dora, as your heart so greatly reflects our Lord. Thank you.

lambservant 3 months ago from Pacific Northwest

I must add the photo of the church reveals in fine detail my former country church on a grander scale. It's uncanny.

Also a couple of your points were.holding a mirror to me, not too flattering but a reminder to change

vocalcoach 3 months ago from Nashville Tn.

"Let go and let God" works well for me. You have delivered such a powerful and beautiful message. How we do need to remind ourselves of your timely words.

The following is great: "Matt Appling, pastor and teacher counsels that it is when believers “demonstrate God in a still, small voice, in the context of love and friendship that God can actually speak to people.”

We must spread love now. God's love includes everyone regardless of faith, religion or race. How do we show our love to God? By loving one another.

Thank you dear friend for your beautiful heart.

Audrey

lambservant 3 months ago from Pacific Northwest

I must add the photo of the church reveals in fine detail my former country church on a grander scale.

A question- what is the biblical definition of hate?

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Manatita, thank you for your uplifting comment. Let's continue to write from our hearts with a prayer that those who feel the need for our message will find it and accept it. Usually though, the writer is the first one who benefits.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Denise, thank you for your endorsement. I believe in your summary: "Loving him is the most important thing we can do," and that goes even for us who write the reminder.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Lori, thanks for the feedback. Happy that you could relate to my observations. Like you, I am also disciplined by this message.

The Bible does not give a direct definition on hate, but I found an article on GotQuestions.org Home from which I quote:

"Biblically speaking, there are positive and negative aspects to hatred. It is acceptable to hate those things that God hates; indeed, this is very much a proof of a right standing with God. “Let those who love the Lord hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a) . . .

"However, the hatred that is negative surely has to be that which is directed against others. . . So heinous is the position of hate before God that a man who hates is said to be walking in darkness, as opposed to the light (1 John 2:9, 11). The worst situation is that of a man who continues professing religion but remains at enmity with his brother. The Scriptures declare that such a person is a liar (1 John 4:20), and he may fool men, but not God. . .

"Let us be careful to do as the Lord advised and keep short accounts with everyone about everything, no matter how small, and the Lord will be faithful to forgive, as He has promised (1 John 1:9; 2:1)."

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Audrey, I appreciate your very positive comment. "How do we show our love to God? By loving one another." You nailed it.

lambservant 3 months ago from Pacific Northwest

Thank you for sharing Dora. I use got questions.org quite a bit. Bless you.

johnmariow 3 months ago from Connecticut

This post reminds me of the book titled "Imitation of Christ" written by Thomas A Kempis in the early 1400s. Wikipedia describes the book as "a handbook for spiritual life arising from the Devotio Moderna movement, of which Kempis was a member."

The theme of this excellent post is essentially the imitation of everything Christ preached and practiced.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

John, thanks for the boost you gave me in this comment. I appreciate you and may God be praised!

AudreyHowitt 3 months ago from California

I love the love in your faith--this is just spot on for me--happy Tuesday to you!

We had our precious grandsons up for the long weekend, so I am behind in my reading.

This is such a beautiful reminder of God's true character and He certainly does tell us in His Word that if we do not love, we do not know Him. What a relevant message for all time and especially now!

We should look like Christ and not the world.

This article is filled with His beautiful truths, as is your faithful heart.

RTalloni 3 months ago from the short journey

Thanks much for a look at thinking about remembering these things this morning! I often think about how inconceivably big God is and rejoice in His kindness in not dealing with us according to our iniquities before Him (Ps. 103). It's easy to think that we want justice from God when we are wronged but we need to be careful to remember that what we want is His mercy for ourselves and, therefore, for others because of Jesus' work at the Cross.

The human heart being exactly what God says it is, we have much to be thankful for in His immeasurable kindness to all who turn to Him according to His Word. Once we have come to Him through Jesus the Christ, remembering that He does know and understand hidden thoughts and intents (our true motives) allows us to turn to Him for help to have a humble and contrite heart as we worship and serve Him (serving others in His Name).

Studying the counsel of His entire Word that we (our service/life) might be approved is the key to knowing how to respond to God and other people. When God's glory is our desire and motive it is easier (in spite of offenses) to kindly try and work with people to help them, but maintaining that desire and motive can at times be very difficult without carefully remembering God's mercy to me through His Son. Thanks again for the opportunity to ponder these things today.

Jodah 3 months ago from Queensland Australia

What a wonderful hub, MsDora, and one that I hope many people read. You highlight so many important lessons and what being a "good person" really involves. You mention some of the most important scripture verses. We need to be humble about our good deeds and not expect accolades. Just rejoice in our ability to help others.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Faith, I love that the grandchildren takes precedence. Thanks for your kind comment, affirming that the message is relevant.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

RTalloni, thanks for your supportive comment. I like your statement that "When God's glory is our desire and motive it is easier (in spite of offenses) to kindly try and work with people to help them . . ." You help to solidify that in me also.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Jodah, it is the joy in helping others that I really want to get across. Thanks for the entire comment but especially for that final sentence.

Frank Atanacio 3 months ago from Shelton

A very good share MsDora, God is like the air, we forget it's all around us, but we need it..:) thank you for the share

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks, Frank. There's one thing we should never forget about Him. We certainly need Him like we need air.

bravewarrior 3 months ago from Central Florida

Beautiful hub and gentle reminder to not let judgment and selfishness shadow the way we treat others. Nicely said, Dora.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks Shauna. You really know to put the message in a nutshell. I appreciate you.

teaches12345 3 months ago

I remind myself often that God is in control and doesn't always think like we do when it comes to solutions. Your thoughts on loving God but hating your brother is another good lesson to remember -- we are limiting our effects on others if we cannot forgive.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks, Teaches for lending your weight to this discussion. I have great respect for your contribution.

DREAM ON 3 months ago

MsDora Because God is all knowing and all loving I try to focus on any good qualities I may have and try to expand on them. This keeps me so busy it prevents my bad habits from surfacing because I am not fighting the bad I am so inspired, excited, passionate,giving, caring, sharing, loving all the things I feel God wants us to be. In this way I am following God in my heart, body and soul. I think once we fill our lives with so many flaws or ways or thoughts that harm others we keep in this treadmill of unfortunate and sad sircumstances. I love your hub so much especially when you talk about we can not know what God is thinking. I do know when I do the smallest thing and no matter what it is. If it's letting someone talk when know one else would. Giving someone a happy and sincere hello. Thinking ahead before someone asks if they need help. Carrying a bundle or just giving them company when needed. I feel an enormous love I can't describe which I strongly feel is God. I believe God would be happy with what I am trying to achieve. So many things I do go under the radar but I feel with all my senses like a I am the littlest star. I found a way to light up the sky where it is dark What do you think? Thank you for sharing God and all your love not just now but in everything you do.I hope you receive this in good health with an abundant of heavenly thoughts. I constantly send them in my mind like a I am sending mail but this way I don't have to pay postage or need a fancy computer. I am using Gods gift my mind to spread the word of love. You've got mail.(lol) Of a creative kind.

MsDora 3 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks, Dream. I receive your mail with gratitude. Your attitude is worth imitating; of course, that would be imitating the mind of God. I appreciate you for sharing these God-centered thoughts.

Vellur 3 months ago from Dubai

A great message to read and remember. God is too kind and forgiving, and we as humans should follow that, however, difficult it may be.

MsDora 2 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Vellur, how improved our lives would be if we followed His example. It's a lifetime effort. Thanks for your comment.

lifegate 2 months ago from Pleasant Gap, PA

Well, I see I'm behind again. I never get any notifications so I have to go looking, but I'm never disappointed when it comes to your hubs. So much meat to what you give us - and in a practical, live it out way. Thanks, Dora.

lifegate 2 months ago from Pleasant Gap, PA

Well, I see I'm late again. But better late than never. I love the way you mix feeding us meat while at the same time making it practical - a good check for all of us. Thanks, MsDora.

MsDora 2 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks, Bill. You always encourage me, and I appreciate you. It is so much easier to receive and share when the lesson is practical.

DDE 2 months ago from Dubrovnik, Croatia

A beautiful hub!

MsDora 2 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Thanks, Devika. Positive feedback encourages me.

Ann810 2 months ago from Sunny Cali

It' true, serving those that are the least, is just as important to God. Humble servants will serve blue collar employees, just the same as they would if it were a celebrity. Awesome article, thanks.

MsDora 2 months ago from The Caribbean Author

Ann, you said it perfectly. Thanks for your affirmation.

rajan jolly 4 days ago from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar,INDIA.

What great lessons our scriptures provide, and I believe all scriptures in essence say the same things though we as humans interpret them to our benefit/liking.

If people read them and followed them as they mean there would be so much more peace all around.

A very precious read. Thank you for sharing.

MsDora 4 days ago from The Caribbean Author

Rajan, I appreciate your very valuable input on this topic. Very agreeable and helpful.

Kiss andTales 3 days ago

Hello Ms Dora time has flew past us and Gods blessings granted to each .

Thank you for that wonderful hub of reminders , we never know it all , but the test is applying what we learn.

Especially how we treat our fellow man.

As you brought up we can not love God or Jesus if we are hating our fellow neighbors.

We can try to fool people behind a screen , but who you really are he lnows. And sometime the mask fall's and you see the truth.

Thank you I appreciate you very much.

MsDora 3 days ago from The Caribbean Author

Kiss and Tales, thank you for reading and supporting my efforts. Also for underscoring that "the test is applying what we learn." Praying that these reminders help us to focus.